JAM October/November 2007 Issue: Feature Story

LULLABYE OF BIRDSALL

Usually I don't like to hang with tiny people. It's a reminder that I'm twice as big as I should be (and I find myself constantly crouching and bending, trying to make myself smaller). But diminutive jazz singer Megan Birdsall is irresistible. She's everything all good people should be – kind, caring, loving, giving, all of which make her especially unworthy of having to endure that which she now faces. I've unintentionally made a pun, because her seemingly insurmountable problem concerns her face. Her temporomandibular joints, actually.

A few months ago, just prior to recording “Little Jazz Bird,” her latest CD, she awoke one morning, barely able to open her mouth. Diagnostic tests revealed inflammation and, alarmingly, severe degenerative arthritis in both temporomandibular joints. Without aggressive treatment she would subsequently be unable to eat, much less sing. And, as if the near-constant pain weren't enough, her jaw line has shifted and recessed, compressing and reducing the airway passage from a normal 14 millimeters to a mere 4 mm. The result? Sleep apnea, a serious and life-threatening condition in and of itself.

There is hope on the horizon. World renowned Oral Maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Larry Wolford, examined Megan at Baylor Medical Center ( Dallas ) last July. Reputedly the best of the best as regards her condition, he is convinced that she requires complete TMJ replacements bilaterally, with titanium prostheses and a realignment of the upper and lower jaw to correct her airflow. The cost? $120,000.

The jazz community, known for their generosity ESPECIALLY as related to one of their own, is rallying to support Megan at this incredibly challenging time in her young life. The Jazz Ambassadors MUSICIAN EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FUND (MEAF) provides a confidential financial resource for jazz artists and their immediate families who encounter unexpected challenges. The aforementioned crises most certainly qualify.

MEAF is sponsoring a Benefit, hosted by Jardine's, on October 17th to help raise money for the costly, necessary surgery. Beginning at 8 p.m. , Megan, along with a cadre of Kansas City 's best will give THEIR best on her behalf. Tunes from the aforementioned CD, “Little Jazz Bird,” will be featured and the CD will also be available to buy. The cost of admission? A mere $20 – although it would be wonderful if additional monies were donated. Donations may also be made at www.meganbirdsall.com. For further information, please call 816-804-1781 or email rachelcmurphy92@hotmail.com.

I can't imagine that this won't be one of the most successful events of the year (pardon double negative). PLEASE SUPPORT THIS WORTHY CAUSE. See you on October 17th. If you have a schedule conflict, SEND A CHECK in your absence.

— Carol Comer